WHUFC.com
Guillermo Franco looks set to go to the FIFA World Cup next month with
Mexico
12.05.2010
Guillermo Franco has been named in Mexico's provisional squad for the 2010
FIFA World Cup. The striker is set to play in a Wembley friendly against
England on Monday week, before coach Javier Aguirre finalises a 23-man
selection for the June finals. Argentina-born Franco played a major part in
qualifying, and has six goals in 20 matches for his adopted nation. Mexico
get the tournament under way against Benni McCarthy's South Africa on Friday
11 June. Valon Behrami (Switzerland), Jonathan Spector (United States),
Robert Green, Matthew Upson and Scott Parker (all England) are the other
West Ham hopefuls for the World Cup.
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Lee enjoying life
WHUFC.com
Olly Lee relished the opportunity to line up alongside a club legend ahead
of the trip to Hong Kong
12.05.2010
Olly Lee has arrived in Hong Kong ready for the next step in his development
after playing alongside a club legend in his last outing. The first-year
professional played the second half of Tony Carr's Testimonial Match for
West Ham United last week, assuming an attacking midfield role behind Paolo
Di Canio. The 18-year-old son of former Newcastle United and England star
Robert Lee enjoyed playing alongside the Hammers hero n front of a
13,836-strong Boleyn Ground crowd. Lee, who replaced fellow Academy graduate
Mark Noble at half-time with the score at 1-0 to the Hammers, helped Di
Canio and company stretch their lead to 5-1 by the final whistle. "It was
nice to get out and play in front of the biggest crowd I've ever played in
front of and put a good performance in. "I didn't have some bad firepower in
front of me, did I! It was quite a big thing to play with them and to get on
to the pitch on such a special night and get a feel for it all. "I wasn't
particularly nervous as obviously it was a Testimonial and didn't have the
same tempo as a proper, competitive game, but when you're playing with
legends like Di Canio, I suppose I did get a little bit nervous. "I thought
we had the legs on them during the second half, so it all went well."
Lee, whose season was disrupted by glandular fever and a leg injury, is a
senior member of the West Ham squad that has travelled to the HKFC IP Global
International Soccer Sevens in Hong Kong. It will be the third time the
young midfielder has taken part in the prestigious season-ending tournament,
which begins later this week. "I've been for the last two years and I can't
wait. To be fair, it's a really good tournament and I'm looking forward to
it. It's a seven-a-side tournament on a near full-sized pitch, so you are
blowing a bit by the end! "It's a nice way to end the season and a good way
to bond with the other lads. Hopefully we can do well."
On his return to England later this month, Lee is planning to make up for
lost time by working on his match fitness over the summer while many of his
club-mates are taking a well-earned break. "I don't know if I'll be working
all summer, but I certainly want to do my bit as I missed such a big part of
the season through illness and injury. I want to just get back and see how
it goes next season."
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Spector eyes last-eight
WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector believes the United States can reach the 2010 FIFA World
Cup quarter-finals
11.05.2010
Jonathan Spector believes the United States have what it takes to reach the
2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. The 24-year-old missed the 2006
tournament in Germany with a shoulder injury, and is desperate to be
involved this time around after being named in Bob Bradley's 23-man squad.
Spector, whose earliest World Cup memory is meeting Germany striker Jurgen
Klinsmann during the 1994 competition in his native Chicago, appeared four
times for his country in qualifying, having helped the Americans to reach
the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa last summer. The
Arlington Heights-born defender is better the achievements of his fellow
countrymen four years ago, when the United States finished bottom of a group
that also included Ita ly, Ghana and Czech Republic.
To do so, Bradley's side must overcome the challenge of England, Algeria and
Slovenia, who they have been paired with in Group C. "I can certainly see us
getting out of the group. We obviously start with a really tough game
against England, but we'll be looking to get something out of that and also
out of the other two. After that, anything is possible. I think we've got a
chance of having a good run. "Not getting out of our group would be a
disappointment. Getting to the Round of 16 would be a slight success, but I
think we'd still be disappointed if we got out of the group and then went
out. It would probably be unrealistic to think we can win the World Cup at
this stage, but we can certainly be competitive and build on what we've done
in the past."
Spector is one of a number of English-based players named in the US squad,
with the likes of Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, Watford defender Jay
DeMerit and Fulham forward Clint Dempsey also included. The Hammers player
believes all three, alongside ex-Everton forward Landon Donovan, will make a
splash in South Africa, while the coach's son Michael, who plays in the
German Bundesliga, could also make his mark. "It's hard to pick a best
player. Our goalkeeper Tim Howard is a fantastic player and a key member of
the team. Going forward, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey are our most
creative players. They are our three most important players. "I'm not sure
if any of our guys are unknown any more, but of the guys who are not playing
in England, Michael Bradley - the manager's son - is doing well with
Borussia Moenchengladbach in Germany."
The United States kick-off their World Cup challenge against England in
Rustenburg on 12 June, before completing their Group C campaign with
engagements with Slovenia and Algeria on 18 June and 23 June respectively.
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Sacked Gianfranco Zola saddened by West Ham comments
BBC.co.uk
Gianfranco Zola has claimed he was victim to "adverse comments" from within
West Ham during the last few weeks as manager of the club. Zola was relieved
of his position on Tuesday after less than two years at the Premier League
outfit. "I am extremely disappointed to be leaving," said the 43-year-old
Italian. "Over recent weeks, I have been the subject of various adverse
comments, from within the club, which have been widely reported in the
media."
Zola's position was subject to speculation after former Birmingham City
owners David Gold and David Sullivan took over the club in January. The
Hammers had been in a relegation battle until their third from final fixture
against Wigan in April, where a 3-2 victory effectively guaranteed their
safety. But a month earlier, Sullivan criticised Zola's team following
their 3-1 defeat by Wolves which he described as "pathetic".
Zola added through a statement from the League Managers Association:
"Despite what has been a very difficult period for me, I have thoroughly
enjoyed my time at West Ham.
"I would like to sincerely thank the players and my staff for their
continued support, hard work and commitment. "I extremely proud of their
efforts, over a long and difficult season, in retaining West Ham's place in
the Premier League. "West Ham is a great club, with fantastic supporters and
I wish the club every success in the future. The termination process of my
contract is now in the hands of the LMA and I therefore will be making no
further comment at this stage."
LMA chief executive Richard Bevan praised Zola for guiding West Ham during
"a period of significant uncertainty". "Clear communication and a
supportive framework at the top of a football club are essential for
stability and delivering results," said Bevan. "Gianfranco has had to
manage his team through a period of significant uncertainty at the club and
has shown dedication, resilience and commitment to his players, staff and
the fans. "Without a doubt Gianfranco is a talented young manager and I am
sure that in the fullness of time he will be back working in the game."
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Zola 'disappointed' at departure
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th May 2010
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has revealed that he is 'extremely disappointed' to be
leaving West Ham United.
Zola, speaking via the League Manager's Association website this lunchtime
said that despite a difficult season he thoroughly enjoyed his time at the
club - but hinted that he may be seeking legal advice in the wake of his
dismissal by refusing to comment on the circumstances sorrounding his hasty
departure.
"I am extremely disappointed to be leaving West Ham United. Over recent
weeks, I have been the subject of various adverse comments, from within the
club, which have been widely reported in the media. Despite what has been a
very difficult period for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at West
Ham," he said.
"I would like to sincerely thank the players and my staff for their
continued support, hard work and commitment. I am extremely proud of their
efforts, over a long and difficult season, in retaining West Ham United's
place in the Premier League. West Ham is a great club, with fantastic
supporters and I wish the club every success in the future.
"The termination process of my contract is now in the hands of the LMA and I
therefore will be making no further comment at this stage."
LMA Chief Executive, Richard Bevan, criticised the West Ham board for the
way in which they had dealt with the situation. "Clear communication and a
supportive framework at the top of a football club are essential for
stability and delivering results," he said, before praising Zola for the job
he had done at the club.
"Gianfranco has had to manage his team through a period of significant
uncertainty at the club and has shown dedication, resilience and commitment
to his players, staff and the fans," he added. "Without a doubt Gianfranco
is a talented young manager and I am sure that in the fullness of time he
will be back working in the game."
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Dicks: get Bilic (or Hughes)
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th May 2010
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Julian Dicks has called for either Mark Hughes or Slaven Bilic
to succeed Gianfranco Zola as West Ham United's 13th full-time manager.
Dicks, speaking to SkySports this lunchtime said that he was sad to see the
Italian go - but insisted that his former team mate Bilic would be an ample
replacement - as would former Chelsea striker Hughes, who has been out of
work since being fired by the Eastlands-based club earlier in the season.
"It's sad to see him go, most of the players and fans liked him," said
Dicks. "It is, and I don't think he had enough time really. Unfortunately
his results haven't been good enough, one place above the relegation zone is
obviously not good enough for West Ham. "There's a few names being thrown
about, personally I'd like to see either Slaven Bilic or Mark Hughes down
here. I know Slav from when I played here and he's done well with Croatia
even though they didn't qualify [for the World Cup finals]. The other one is
Mark Hughes - he done great at Blackburn and Man City. Either one of those
two I'd like to see here." Hughes - along with Portsmouth boss Avram Grant -
are currently the bookies favourites to succeed Zola, who was fired by the
club this morning.
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Zola fired for 'breach of contract'
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th May 2010
By: Staff Writer
Stories emerging this lunctime suggest that Gianfranco Zola has been sacked
for breaching the terms of his contract. A report on the online version of
the Telegraph suggests that Zola was fired following a short and stormy
meeting at the Boleyn Ground this morning. Sullivan and co-chairman David
Gold are understood to have informed Zola that he was being dismissed due to
comments made in the wake of Sullivan's insistence that all squad players
bar Scott Parker were to be made available for sale. Commenting on Friday,
30 April in reply to the statement by Sullivan, Zola retorted: "If I was
Mark Noble, Robert Green or Valon Behrami, I wouldn't be very pleased,"
before adding "it's not pleasant, you don't want to hear that - but that's
the way it goes." When asked to clarify the situation this lunchtime,
Sullivan is understood to have replied: "I can't comment on what will be a
legal dispute."
We'll have more for you on this as news emerges.
* Luis Boa Morte, who also openly criticised Sullivan in an interview with
the BBC's Match of the Day programme on Sunday has apparently had an
'apology' accepted by the club's joint chairman, according to whufc.com.
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Zola upset at Hammers axe
Italian insists he enjoyed his time in charge at Upton Park
Last updated: 11th May 2010
SSN
Gianfranco Zola admits he is 'extremely disappointed' to have been sacked by
West Ham United following weeks of 'adverse comments'. The Italian's future
at Upton Park had been uncertain ever since David Gold and David Sullivan
took control of the club back in January. The Hammers' battle to stay in the
Premier League led to repeated question marks over Zola's position, with
several names linked with replacing the former Chelsea star. Co-owner
Sullivan's recent critical comments regarding the players only served to
heighten the tension at the club and Zola was also unaware of the bid for
West Brom ace Graham Dorrans. Zola was able to keep the club in the top
flight and, following the final day draw with Manchester City at the
weekend, revealed he was expecting to meet with Gold and Sullivan. The
decision has now been taken to relieve Zola of his duties and the
43-year-old insists that, despite the recent turmoil, he enjoyed his time in
charge, having been manager since September 2008.
"I am extremely disappointed to be leaving West Ham United," said Zola in a
statement on the LMA's official website. "Over recent weeks, I have been
the subject of various adverse comments, from within the club, which have
been widely reported in the media. "Despite what has been a very difficult
period for me, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham. "I would like
to sincerely thank the players and my staff for their continued support,
hard work and commitment. I am extremely proud of their efforts, over a long
and difficult season, in retaining West Ham's place in the Barclays Premier
League. "West Ham is a great club, with fantastic supporters and I wish the
club every success in the future. "The termination process of my contract is
now in the hands of the LMA and I therefore will be making no further
comment at this stage."
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Benni ready for Bafana role
The Sun
BENNI McCARTHY has been named in the hosts' squad despite his recent injury
troubles. The West Ham striker is one of four players from the Premier
League. South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena of Portsmouth, Fulham midfielder
Kagisho Dikgacoi and Everton's Steven Pienaar also make the cut.
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Hammers eye Av as Zola goes
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
AVRAM GRANT is the frontrunner to become the new West Ham boss following
Gianfranco Zola's axing yesterday. Portsmouth's Israeli manager tops a list
of five candidates to succeed the Italian, who is now set for a courtroom
war with his former employers. Zola was sacked with no pay-off after a brief
meeting with Hammers vice-chair Karren Brady at Upton Park. He was
officially dismissed for a serious breach of contract. Zola is now set to
launch a legal claim for £1.9million compensation - a year's salary. In a
statement issued through the League Managers' Association, he said: "I'm
extremely disappointed to be leaving West Ham. "Over recent weeks, I've been
the subject of various adverse comments from within the club. "The
termination process of my contract is now in the hands of the LMA."
Grant will lead out Portsmouth at Wembley on Saturday in the FA Cup final
and West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan are impressed with him.
Others on their wishlist include Swansea boss Paulo Sousa, Blackpool's Ian
Holloway, Leicester chief Nigel Pearson and Cardiff boss Dave Jones.
Sullivan said: "We are looking to find a new manager within three weeks."
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Franco hits back at Sullivan
The Sun
Published: 11 May 2010
SSN
SACKED boss Gianfranco Zola has fired a parting shot at West Ham co-owner
David Sullivan. Zola's contract was terminated this morning after a dismal
season saw the Hammers narrowly avoid relegation. But the Italian has
highlighted the lack of support he received from Sullivan as one of the
reasons for his side's struggles. In a statement released via the League
Managers' Association, he said: "I am extremely disappointed to be leaving
West Ham. "Over recent weeks, I have been the subject of various adverse
comments, from within the club, which have been widely reported in the
media. "Despite what has been a very difficult period for me, I have
thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham. "I would like to sincerely thank the
players and my staff for their continued support, hard work and commitment.
"I am extremely proud of their efforts, over a long and difficult season, in
retaining West Ham's place in the Premier League."
Zola's future was immediately thrown into question when Sullivan and David
Gold took control at Upton Park in January. Sullivan was critical of the
club's performances and Zola was unaware of suggestions his entire squad,
with the exception of Scott Parker, was up for sale. He was also kept in the
dark about a bid for West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans. And LMA chief
executive Richard Bevan appeared to agree that Zola did not receive enough
backing. Bevan said: "Clear communication and a supportive framework at the
top of a football club are essential for stability and delivering results.
"Gianfranco has had to manage his team through a period of significant
uncertainty at the club and has shown dedication, resilience and commitment
to his players, staff and the fans. "Without a doubt Gianfranco is a
talented young manager and I am sure that in the fullness of time he will be
back working in the game."
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Sacked Gianfranco Zola has to fight corner in compensation row with West Ham
ownersNick Szczepanik
The Times
The stormy relationship between Gianfranco Zola and the owners of West Ham
United is likely to end in a legal battle after the Italian was sacked as
manager of the East London club yesterday. The club would not elaborate on a
statement on the official website that read: "West Ham United have
terminated the contract of Gianfranco Zola." However, The Times understands
that the club's position is that Zola breached his contract by publicly
criticising David Sullivan, the co-owner, after he suggested in April that
the club would listen to offers for all their players, apart from Scott
Parker. "If I was Mark Noble or Robert Green or Valon Behrami, I wouldn't be
very pleased to hear that," Zola said. "I didn't know. It is not pleasant.
You don't like it, but this is the way it goes."
Zola, who has three years of a £1.9 million-a-year contract outstanding, was
told of his dismissal when he met Karren Brady, the vice-chairman, at Upton
Park yesterday morning. He has put his compensation claim in the hands of
the League Managers Association ([LMA)] and hit out at Sullivan and David
Gold, the co-owners, who did not attend yesterday's meeting, in a statement
on the LMA website. "I am extremely disappointed to be leaving West Ham
United," Zola said. "Over recent weeks, I have been the subject of various
adverse comments from within the club, which have been widely reported in
the media. Despite what has been a very difficult period for me, I have
thoroughly enjoyed my time at West Ham."
Those "adverse comments" include an apology to supporters from Sullivan for
a "shambolic" and "pathetic" performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in
March, and a later statement that "the current team and management know that
what they have delivered was below expectations". Zola was also unaware of a
bid to sign Graham Dorrans, the West Bromwich Albion and Scotland midfield
player.
The LMA made it clear that it considered that its client had not received
the support of his employers. "Clear communication and a supportive
framework at the top of a football club are essential for stability and
delivering results," Richard Bevan, the LMA chief executive, said.
"Gianfranco has had to manage his team through a period of uncertainty at
the club and has shown dedication, resilience and commitment to his players,
staff and the fans."
It is widely understood that Zola was not the manager of choice for Sullivan
and Gold when they took over the club in January. Brady was reported to have
been overheard shortly before Sullivan and Gold took over, telling a Premier
League manager that Mark Hughes, the former Wales, Blackburn Rovers and
Manchester City manager, would be the favourite of the new owners.
However, they proclaimed their loyalty in public. On February 10, Sullivan
described Zola's position as "100 per cent secure". After the club ensured
their Premier League status by beating Wigan Athletic on April 24, Gold
said: "I would hope he stays. Now he knows he is part of West Ham, whereas
before he was isolated. I would have thought that he deserves another crack.
But he's also a man who might feel that it's time for him to take a
sabbatical."
That sabbatical began yesterday, whether Zola felt it was time or not.
Although the club came uncomfort-ably close to a potentially disastrous
relegation, finishing only one place above the bottom three, the decision to
part company with him will not be popular among supporters or players, many
of whom made a point of running to him to celebrate goals.
Avram Grant, the Portsmouth manager, who has taken a team of loan signings
and free transfers to the FA Cup Final, was installed as the favourite to
succeed Zola. Asked about the chances of his staying at Portsmouth recently,
he stressed the need for a defined budget, but not necessarily a large one.
That will appeal to West Ham, who revealed the extent of their debts soon
after Sullivan and Gold took over.
Hughes and Slaven Bilic, the former West Ham defender, are also among the
favourites, but any attempt to tempt Alex McLeish to follow Sullivan and
Gold from Birmingham City would be fiercely resisted by the present regime
at St Andrew's. "They will take him away over my dead body," Peter Pannu,
the Birmingham vice-chairman, said. "Even if Chelsea came in for Alex, I
don't think I'd be too happy, never mind West Ham."
Avram Grant The former Israel coach and Chelsea first-team coach has worked
wonders with Portsmouth this season — as well as becoming a cult figure with
the fans after taking the team to the FA Cup Final — despite having to sell
players rather than buy. Odds: 1-3
Slaven Bilic The former West Ham defender made his name as Croatia coach,
knocking England out of the Euro 2008 qualifiers. Might work on the cheap,
but not a man to brook interference. 8-1
Mark Hughes An early target for Sullivan and Gold, but would not want to
work on a restricted budget and highly unlikely to put up with
pronouncements on team performances from the boardroom. 8-1
Gregorio Manzano Has taken Mallorca to fifth place in La Liga on a tight
budget, which would appeal, but lacks experience outside Spain. 25-1
Odds by William Hill
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Cascarino: I find it disgusting how they are going about this
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:12 May 2010 - 13:02
The former Aston Villa and Chelsea FC striker Tony Cascarino has slammed
West Ham United owners David Sullivan and David Gold for their treatment of
Gianfranco Zola. Cascarino believes the outspoken West Ham United owners
were well within their rights to sack Zola, but suggests their decision to
call in their lawyers in order to reduce the Italian's compensation package
is 'disgusting' and ill advised. The ex-Villa and Chelsea FC star suggests
Zola has defied the behaviour of his former employers by remaining dignified
throughout. The Republic of Ireland hero believes Zola should be given
credit for keeping West Ham United in the Premier League, because that is
what Sullivan and Gold demanded of the Chelsea FC legend when they took over
the club in January. The former Aston Villa and Chelsea FC striker told
footballpools.com: "I cannot say I am surprised by the sacking of Gianfranco
Zola by West Ham this week as it is typical of the way the club is now being
run." "Since David Sullivan and David Gold took over at Upton Park it was
painfully obvious they didn't want the Italian in charge but they wanted him
to resign rather then pay him off." "They wanted him to walk and did
everything they could to force it but the little Italian wouldn't budge."
"Since the new owners have come in, they've publicly criticised the team,
the players, the debt and the players' wages at every opportunity, so the
writing was on the wall as far as Zola's future was concerned."
"Unfortunately rather than just paying the Italian off, they have now
brought in the lawyers to try and cut the amount they will need to pay but
the last thing the club needs is another situation like they had after the
sacking of Alan Curbishley." "I find it disgusting how they are going about
this and I think a lot of people in football will too." "What has Gianfranco
actually done wrong? Ok, West Ham had a poor season but that doesn't mean
they don't have to pay him what he is owed." "Zola has been dignified
throughout and all credit to him for that." "Now the board need to do the
right thing by him, thank him for his work and pay him what he is owed."
"At the end of the day, Zola did what he was asked and West Ham stayed up.
That was the objective when the new owners took over and that's what he
delivered." "It was pretty obvious that Zola didn't buy the players he was
given in January which further undermined his role at the club." "In fact,
neither Sullivan or Gold have backed him at any stage or given him credit
for the club staying up." "They will be on the lookout for a new man to take
charge now and although the owners' antics have been disappointing, it won't
stop interest in the West Ham manager's job."
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